Waterbury evening Democrat., 1887-12-05
BEDROOM CONSULTATION AT MARIETTA.

BEDROOM CONSULTATION AT MARIETTA. E
 When we were ready, as it still lacked a little of train time, we gathered in An drews' room for an informal council of war. Some were seated on the edge of the bed, one or two on chairs, and the remainder stood around as best they could. We did Het speak very loud, as we wished no sharers in our plans. Andrews gave no exhortations-the time for that had passed-but rather cautions to pre- vent too precipitate action. He said:
 ''When the train stops at Big Shanty for breakfast, keep your places till tell you to go. Get seats near each other in the same car, and say nothing about the matter on the way up. If anything un- expected occurs, look to me for the word. You and you"-designating the men twill go with me ol the engine; all the rest will go on the left of the train for ward of where it is uncoup1ed, and climb on the cars in the best places you can, when the order is given. If anybody in terferes, shoot him, but don't fire until it is necessary" e.-
 Sergt Maj Ross, the ranking man of the party, and as brave as any, offered a respectful protest against going further. He said that circumstances had changed since we set out; that it was day later than planned; that many more troops were at Big Shanty than formerly; that we had noticed the crowded state of the road as we came down, and that Mitchell s movements would make the matter worse. For all these reasons he thought it better to put off the attempt, or give it up alto gether.
 Our heads were very close together as we talked, and the words softly spoken; the door was locked, and the windows overlooked the railroad, so that we were sure to see the train coming. Andrews very quietly answered the objections of Ross, admitting all the facts he stated, but claiming that they only showed our way the clearer. The military excite ment and commotion and the number of trains on the road would make our train the less likely to be suspected; and as to the troops at Big Shanty, if we did our work promptly, they would have no chance to interfere. Capturing the train in the camp would be easier than any, l where else, because no one would believe | it possible, and there would therefore be no guard.
 Andrews could always find reason for everything; but these plausible arguments were not perfectly convincing, Several l others, among whom was J. A. Wilson, | joined in respectful protest against pro ceeding. Then Andrews, speaking even lower, as was his wont when strongly moved, said:
 l ''Boys, tried this once before and failed; now will succeed or leave my l bones in Dixie"
 The words and manner thrilled every nearer, and we assured him that we would stand by him, and, if need be, die with him. He grasped our hands and we hurried to the platform, for the train was now almost due. I had said nothing in the discussion, for felt that we were under the leadership of Andrews, and should simply obey, leaving the respon- sibility to rest on him. I am not sure that, on a later critical occasion, we did not carry this principle a little too far. Although we only needed tickets to Big Shanty, we purchased them to various points along the line that attention might not be attracted by such number bound to one place. As the train came up we noticed three closed box cars attached. Every passenger train, as l have since been informed by Conductor Fuller, was at this time required to carry empty cars northward, which were brought back filled with bacon and other provisions, vast quantities of which were then being l gleaned out of Tennessee and stored in